You're relaxing in your house one evening when you hear a knock at the door. Someone at the door is claiming to be an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Naturally, you want to make sure it is a legitimate visit not only for your personal safety but so you aren't giving information to someone looking to do harm or falling prey to a scam. Start at step one to learn how to best identify an imposter or real FBI agent.

Steps

1

Don't open the door. Leave the door firmly shut and locked whenever possible. Unless it is a matter of life and death or they have a warrant the agent should have no problem waiting while you verify some things.

2

Observe through the window or peephole. Take a look at how they're dressed and how they carry themselves. If there's not a window nearby you can open the door a crack or leave the chain on if you feel safe to do so. Note that while most agents will dress nicely they will not always be in suits and ties. They might dress business casual or casual. However, if they're overly casual or wearing dirty/rumpled clothing you may want to take notice.

3

Ask to see their badge. Real agents will have already shown their badge but ask to see it again if they've put it away. Real agents will usually not hand their badge over, so you'll have to inspect at a distance.

4

Inspect the badge and ID card. There are a couple things you should look for.

Look at the photo and make sure it matches the agent standing in front of you.

Be sure the badge says Federal Bureau of Investigation at the top. Fake badges will often abbreviate to FBI.

Make sure the badge is completely gold and has Department of Justice on the bottom.

5

Ask the agent for his badge number. He/she should give you this number and let you match it with the number on the photo ID.

6

Do not let them push you. Most real agents will not bully or push you unless it's a matter of life and death. Keep them outside and take your time. Try not to purposefully delay them but take as much time as you need to feel safe.

7

Call your local police station. If at any point you feel unsafe or unsure call your local police station and ask for them to send an officer out or to verify that the person you're talking to is really FBI.

If you feel that you are in danger, call 911.

8

Contact your local FBI field office. This is another option. They will be able to verify whether you're talking to a real agent and they're there on official business.

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Community Q&A

Tips

You can also ask the agent common questions he/she should know the answer to. Such as, what is the address or number to the local FBI field office? Who is the current FBI director or agent in charge of the field office? Most agents will know these without hesitation and you can verify with a simple Google check.

Even if an agent is legit, this doesn't always mean they're there on official business. If it seems shady to you always contact the police or FBI office. They will be able to help you.

Most real agents will travel in pairs, although not always.

If you're contacted by phone. Ask the agent to call back or place them on hold while you call their local field office with another phone to verify.

Unless otherwise instructed FBI agents are required to be armed at all times. If you don't notice a gun (most times it'll be concealed) you can ask to see it. If they don't have one this is a red flag.

Feel free to contact a lawyer at any point. They might be able to help you determine if the agent is real and will be able to give you advice if the agent is real.

You can also ask for another form of ID such as their personal state ID card. Name, birthdate, and etc should match.

Warnings

Never give money or personal information to anyone claiming to be a federal agent, especially over the phone. It is a scam!